Masters Degrees (African Centre for HIV/AIDS Management)

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Acceptability of the female condom by female health workers in Francistown, Botswana
(Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2011-03) Chirwa, Lovemore; Davis, Burt; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. Dept. of Industrial Psychology. Africa Centre for HIV/AIDS Management.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Background: Women account for nearly half the global population of persons living with HIV. In sub-Saharan Africa women constitute 60% of adults living with the virus. The situation makes it necessary to develop and improve prevention actions that target women. The female condom is a practical option. It is the only available dual protection method that protects against sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancies, and is designed for women to initiate. Objective: This study evaluated female condom acceptability in Francistown, Botswana. The main aim of the study was to examine female condom uptake among female health workers. The study also assessed beliefs held by health workers regarding the condom. Research Design: The research design employed was the survey method. Seventy-one participants were enrolled. Participants were asked to complete a self-administered questionnaire which consisted of demographic characteristics, and attitudes and perceptions of female condom use. Results: The study found that 15.5% of women had used the female condom in the previous month, 12.9% had used the condom in the previous 3 months, and 17.2% had used the female condom in the previous 12 months. The study also showed that the majority of participants believed the female condom was readily available (71.4%) and that it empowered women (63.3%), and the majority of women (78.9%) would recommend its use. However, only 22.8% believed that the female condom was better than the male condom, 28.6% believed it was easy to use, and only 9.8% thought it was popular with clients. The majority (53.5%) believed the female condom was not well promoted and (56.3%) of participants did not know if sex with the female condom was as good. Conclusion & Recommendation: Female condom use by female health workers was low. There is need for more research to examine why the condom is not acceptable among female health workers.
An assessment of voluntary counselling and testing/ HIV testing and counselling services at health facilities in South Africa
(Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2010-03) Nqapayi, Claudia Vuyelwa; Davis, Burt; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. Dept. of Industrial Psychology. Africa Centre for HIV/AIDS Management.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study assesses the quality of Voluntary Counselling and Testing or HIV Counselling and Testing (VCT/HCT) services among antenatal clients/patients at three health facilities in the Tshwane Region (Pretoria), as a service rendered for the prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT). It also examines the experiences of those who render this type of a service- lay counsellors at these health facilities. While the survey results show a remarkably high level of access to VCT/HCT amongst pregnant women, it could be proven that the quality of services they get are not as satisfactory as expected. A total of 150 clients/ patients, and 15 lay counsellors were invited to participate in the survey. At the end of the survey period, which ran from 21 to 25 September 2009, it was found that a total of 150 clients/ patients, and a total of 15 lay counsellors responded by completing the survey. This represents a return of 100%.
The association bewteen family structure and sexual risk factors related to HIV infection of young people (aged 14-24] in Gaborone (Botswana)
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2011-12) Mothowaeng-Motsie, Gaseboloke; Davis, Burt; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. Dept. of Industrial Psychology. Africa Centre for HIV/AIDS Management.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Purpose of the Study The purpose of this study was to find out whether there is an association between family structure (a well-structured family or a non-structured family) and sexual risk factors related to HIV infection of youths aged 14-24 [inclusive] in Gaborone, Botswana. Research Design A descriptive research design using quantitative approach was used in this study. Data Collection Data was collected through questionnaires handed to the respondents to fill and return the responses back to the researcher. Youths from Old Naledi location, University of Botswana and Gaborone Senior Secondary School served as study population. Findings The results showed there was no significant association between family structure family and the sexual risk factors related to HIV infection of youths aged 14-24 [inclusive]. Nevertheless, the results showed that as young people get older, they indulge in high-risk behaviours related to HIV infection, such as having sex under the influence of alcohol, having multiple sexual partners and having sex in exchange for money. Conclusion The findings have shown that the youth in general are at high risk of contracting HIV infection. A high number of them are sexually active, and therefore it is suggested that they be encouraged to be more pro-active in order to prevent HIV infection or infection with other sexually transmitted diseases.
Behavioural research examining contraceptive practices and fertility intentions of women living with HIV
(Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2010-03) Magadzire, Bvudzai Priscilla; Davis, Burt; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. Dept. of Industrial Psychology. Africa Centre for HIV/AIDS Management.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study examines whether an HIV positive status will influence fertility decision-making and contraceptive practices of women in living with HIV (WLHIV) or if improved antiretroviral therapy (ART) and regular HIV care can also make a contribution to their choices. The study was qualitative and it utilized a document analysis, a focus group discussion and interviews held in Khayelitsha, South Africa. A total of 30 women living with HIV aged between 18-45 years formed part of the study. Additional interviews were conducted with the health care worker and the Support Group Coordinator. Data was analysed through the identification of emerging themes and grouping of similar data. The responses given by the participants provided an understanding of the thought processes around contraceptive use and fertility decision-making for WLHIV. Evidently, contraceptive practices and fertility intention change over time (due to knowledge change of plans, partner or family opposition, side effects, or changes to their economic or educational situation among other reasons). Although the study population (n=30) was too small to make definite conclusions, the findings seem to tell of a transition towards the realisation of the rights of WLHIV. In spite of the many challenges that are faced by WLHIV, there seems to be a fairly conducive environment (both in terms of policy and resources) to enable WLHIV to fulfil their fertility intentions. However, there is need for programme planners to enhance ways of putting policy into practice. Finally, it would be useful to invest further into research to obtain a broader list of WLHIV’s experiences, their rationale for making certain decisions regarding their reproductive health choices and the level of importance assigned to each reason. This was beyond the scope of this study.
A comparative analysis of HIV serostatus disclosure pattern among men and women in Gaborone City Council, Botswana
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2013-03) Akinyemi, Oladimeji Akeem; Davis, Burt; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. Dept. of Industrial Psychology. Africa Centre for HIV/AIDS Management.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Disclosure of HIV status is an integral part of HIV prevention and care programmes. It plays a key role in adherence to antiretroviral therapy. It is a vital component of voluntary counselling and testing which is the gateway to HIV prevention, care and access to anti-retroviral treatment. The aim of this study was to compare the pattern of HIV-status disclosure among men and women respectively as well as to evaluate the factors that influenced HIV-status disclosure among these groups. A sample of 74 participants from four Infectious Disease Control Clinics located in Gaborone, Botswana completed self-administered questionnaires. The contents of the questionnaire addressed issues around knowledge and attitude towards disclosure, timing of disclosure and to whom, reasons for disclosure or non-disclosure, barriers to disclosure and consequences of disclosure. The study found that the majority of respondents had disclosed their HIV-status. Disclosure was more common among older participants for both men and women. In most scenarios presented to respondents, women were more willing than men to disclose their HIV status. However, men were more willing to disclose their status if they were e.g. faced with situations in which they were seriously ill, where their peers or friends were also willing to disclose their status or in cases where they would not be able to keep their hospital visits secret. Further research is needed on disclosure pattern among both males and females of low and high socio-economic status. The study recommended that the subject of disclosure should be introduced into routine HIV/AIDS improvement monitoring parameters.
Disclosure of HIV positive status to sexual partners among pregnant women in a health district Botswana
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2014-04) Tshisuyi, Emmanuel Tshibanda; Davis, Burt; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic and Management Science. Dept. of Industrila Psychology. Africa Centre for HIV/AIDS Management.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Disclosure of HIV status can be an important step as far as HIV prevention and subsequent treatment and care among discordant couples are concerned, also for the prevention of mother to child transmission, family or partner support, and treatment adherence. The purpose of this study was to determine factors affecting disclosure of HIV positive status among pregnant women to their sexual partners in a rural district of Botswana. A cross sectional quantitative survey was employed. Structured interviews were conducted with 39 randomly selected HIV-positive respondents at seven sexual and reproductive health clinics in the district. A significant association was found between the knowledge of HIV status of the partner and disclosure to that partner [Χ2 (1) = 16.89; p < 0.001]. That is, respondents were less likely to disclose their HIV-status to their partner if they did not know the partner’s HIV status compared to knowing that partner’s status. Factors such as age, education status, employment status, income, religion, marital status were not found to be significantly associated with disclosure. Factors that respondents thought influenced people to reveal their HIV positive status to a partner were fear of blame (65.0%), casual relationships (52.0%) and fear of abuse (50.0%). Based on the overall findings presented, it is concluded that no single factor as mentioned above could be necessarily said to influence disclosure of HIV status to a sexual partner, but rather possibly a combination of such factors. Recommendations based on the findings in this study included the promotion of couples counselling to reduce the barriers to disclosure and increase the awareness of the partner’s status; and the establishment of support groups in the community to address issues around the fear of stigmatization contributing to non-disclosure.
The effectiveness of Africare-South Africa Peer Education Programmes among pastors in the Whittlesea Area
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2013-03) Opio Ikuya, Barnabas; Davis, Burt; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. Dept. of Industrial Psychology. Africa Centre for HIV/AIDS Management.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The main purpose of this study was to investigate if/how Africare-South Africa HIV/AIDS peer education programmes can be improved among pastors and their congregations. This study focused mainly on pastors of churches the Whittlesea area of the Eastern Cape who has been participating in the Africare-South Africa Peer Education Programme as peer educators since 2004. A qualitative study was conducted using focus group discussions; peer educators (pastors) representing 12 churches participated as research respondents. The study found that the level of knowledge pertaining to HIV/AIDS of pastors in the peer education programme was good and of a credible standard. Respondents understood all the main themes covered in the peer education programme. It was found that respondents even knew more than what they were taught in the programme, mainly because of other stakeholders e.g. the Department of Health through the District of Chris Hani also providing training in this respect. The pastors identified additional HIV information that they felt needed to be included in the current peer education programmes. It included clinical and technical information around HIV e.g. prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV and antiretroviral therapy. This would mean additional training would be required if peer educators were to implement the new information as part of their training. Furthermore, the study also found that without additional funding, peer education programmes would not be sustainable. Basic funding sources such as promoting income generating activities within the church setups could provide a good platform to financially support peer education programmes. In summary, the study showed that peer education is still an effective method for successfully implementing HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention messages in church settings.
Factors associated with fertility desires and intentions among HIV positive women enrolled at a HIV treatment clinic in Windhoek, Namibia
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2013-03) Chakare, Tafadzwa; Davis, Burt; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. Dept. of Industrial Psychology. Africa Centre for HIV/AIDS Management.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Fertility patterns among Persons living with HIV (PLHIV) could have important HIV prevention and demographic implications particularly in high prevalence settings. Fertility volitions and associated factors among PLHIV have been documented in many countries, but there is a paucity of data on Namibia. Knowledge on health worker attitudes towards positive parenting is also lacking. Using a cross-sectional survey design, data was collected from 50 HIV positive women of reproductive age using an interviewer administered questionnaire. Social, demographic, sexual, reproductive and other variables were explored. In addition, a self-administered questionnaire was presented to 15 health workers at the target site to assess the service provider environment vis-à-vis positive parenting. The mean age of the HIV positive women was 34.2 years and 71.4% were sexually active. Most (80%) were in relationships but only 10% were married. Approximately 22.2% did not know their partner’s HIV status and 17% had not disclosed their HIV status to their partner. Childbearing after HIV diagnosis was common and fertility desires (44.9%) and intentions (42%) were abundant. The service provider environment was generally PLHIV friendly but discouraged childbearing especially among women who were already parents. Descriptive analysis showed possible connections between elevated fertility desires and/or intentions and higher education levels, having a partner, not having children, not having children in the current relationship, history of HIV related child death, less formal relationships, shorter relationships, disclosure to partner, awareness of partner’s status, having a HIV negative partner, STI treatment after HIV diagnosis, Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission experience as well as anti-retroviral therapy status. Of the relationships subjected to inferential analysis, none was statistically significant. Many were not testable due to limitations emanating from the small sample size.
Factors contributing to poor antiretroviral therapy adherence among patients at Jwaneng Mine Hospital MASA Clinic in Botswana
(Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2011-03) Maokisa, Thatayotlhe Colleen; Davis, Burt; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. Dept. of Industrial Psychology. Africa Centre for HIV/AIDS Management.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study establishes factors that contribute to poor ART adherence. It was done at Jwaneng Mine Hospital MASA Clinic in Botswana. A qualitative study was done using a structured questionnaire which included open and close-ended questions. A total of 36 people (17 male and 19 female) who are HIV positive and on ART participated in the study. Participants were aged 21 years and above. Data was analysed using qualitative method. Frequencies were used for analysis of close-ended questions. Themes were identified in open-ended questions. The responses given by the patients gave an insight on factors that may be contributing to poor ART adherence among patients at Jwaneng Mine hospital MASA Clinic although the study population was too small to make definite conclusions. In this study it was revealed that the following factors may play a role in poor ART adherence: Transport issues, Forgetfulness and long waiting hours. The main finding in this research was that many factors thought to be contributing to poor adherence do not seem to have influence on ART adherence but the fact of the matter is general ART adherence of patients at Jwaneng Mine Hospital is low. To enhance good adherence, it is of paramount importance that ART be rolled-out even to the lowest level health facilities, more nurses should be trained on prescribing and dispensing of ART, and patients should be given at least two months supply of ART. Lastly, it would be of importance to conduct a similar type of study in the future on a larger scale to verify the results of this study.
Factors influencing prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT) outcomes in the Rundu District of Namibia
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2014-04) Said, Mohamed; Davis, Burt; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. Dept. of Industrial Psychology. Africa Centre for HIV/AIDS Management.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Introduction: In Namibia, according to the National Sentinel Serosurvey 2012, the HIV prevalence among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic has increased from 4.2% in 1992 to 18.2% in 2012. A high HIV prevalence in women of reproductive age thus exists in Namibia and as a result the risk of vertical transmission of HIV from infected mothers to their new born is also high. Without any interventions, about 20-45% of exposed children will be infected with HIV. With an effective Prevention of Mother to Child Prevention (PMTCT) programme, the risk can be reduced to as little as 2%. Despite the international and national efforts to try to implement such interventions, some gaps and barriers still exist in many sub-Saharan Africa countries, including Namibia, posing a challenge to PMTCT programme roll out. This study attempts to identify these gaps and barriers in the Rundu district of Namibia, which has an HIV prevalence of 24.5%. Methodology: A qualitative study was done using the face to face interviews. The target population consisted of health care workers providing PMTCT and ART services at selected health facilities in the Rundu district. Findings and Recommendation: The study participants were very experienced in delivering PMTCT services and the majority has been working on the programme for more than five years. Some of the challenges identified include home deliveries, lack of male involvement and stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS and formula feeding. The main reasons associated with these challenges include lack of knowledge, cultural beliefs as well as poverty. Respondents also felt there is a lack of staff to attend to the high patient load experienced at their health facilities and that current staff should be re-trained more often. It was recommended that PMTCT programme strategies should be improved by putting measures in place to increase awareness around HIV/AIDS and PMTCT issues identified in this study.
Factors influencing the uptake of HIV counselling and testing (HCT) service : the case of the employees of the Namibian Correctional Service at Elizabeth Nepemba Correctional Facility
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2013-03) Velikoshi, Tangeni Immanuel Ndawedwa Oyehetupe; Davis, Burt; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. Dept. of Industrial Psychology. Africa Centre for HIV/AIDS Management.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study explored the factors influencing the HIV counselling and testing (HCT) uptake amongst correctional officers deployed at Elizabeth Nepemba Correctional Facility in Rundu, Namibia. Factors investigated in this study included correctional officers’ level of satisfaction with HCT service delivery, their experiences and expectations related to HCT and identify their needs and motives behind HCT utilization. A sample of 50 participants was targeted to participate in this survey through the completion of self-administered questionnaires. A total number of 31 questionnaires were returned. It was found that the majority of the respondents (74%) accessed HCT services in the past twelve months, of which 31% indicated having tested at Elizabeth Nepemba HIV Counselling and Testing Facility. The study further revealed that the majority of respondents valued HIV counseling and testing as an important component of their general health and wellbeing. Factors such as confidentiality and privacy issues, the condition of service and staff competency along with accessibility, fear of rejection from families and friends, information provision, education, future planning and risky behaviour were identified as having an influence on HIV counseling and testing uptake. The study concluded that there is a need for more awareness campaigns, information dissemination and involvement of stakeholders to address HIV-related health issues for correctional officers at Elizabeth Nepemba Correctional Facility.
Factors that make women vulnerable to HIV/AIDS
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2011-12) Mokwena, Malebo Sophie; Davis, Burt; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic & Management Sciences. Dept. of Industrial Psychology. Africa Centre for HIV/AIDS Management.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Background: Globally the percentage of women living with HIV is high. They constitute 48% of people living with HIV. The purpose of the study was to investigate the influence of specific factors known to make women vulnerable to HIV/AIDS infection. Objective: The specific factors investigated were cultural beliefs, economic dependence and sexual abuse and their affect (if any) on women in Bela-Bela (Warmbaths) in the Limpopo province of South Africa. The population of 30 women who attend HIV/AIDS support groups in the area was targeted. Twenty respondents were asked to complete questionnaires. A convenience sampling method was used. Research Design: A descriptive research design was used, with data collected through questionnaires. The questionnaire was structured in English and for those who did not understand the language; the questions were explained in their own language. Data was collected on six occasions. The number of participants interviewed per session varied as it depended on the availability of participants on those days. Results: Though the sample used was small which makes it is difficult to draw definite conclusions, the results revealed that women in the area are vulnerable to HIV because of factors such as cultural beliefs (in particular the value of marriage and children), economic dependence and sexual abuse. Conclusion and Recommendation: Findings in this study indicate that unemployment may put women in unfavourable economic position and force them into vulnerable behaviour such as having unsafe sex and sex for money. Findings further revealed that the value of children is put in high regard by the respondents. Having children is seen as a way of proving to the community that they are fertile. This may put women at risk of HIV as they are engaging in unprotected sex. The results show that many women are still exposed to forced sex. There is a need for further research in this regard.
A further investigation into the current challenges experienced in the implementation of peer education programmes in South African schools : an overview of provicial and district education officials' perceptions - Kwazulu-Natal Province
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2013-03) Sithole, Sinikiwe; Davis, Burt; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. Dept. of Industrial Psychology. Africa Centre for HIV/AIDS Management.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Although peer education programmes in schools are designed to increase the knowledge, skills, values, attitudes and reducing learners’ vulnerability to HIV, its implementation has yielded some challenges. This study focused on investigating the current challenges experienced in the implementation of Peer Education Programmes in South African Schools in KwaZulu-Natal. KwaZulu-Natal province was selected because of its high HIV incidence in comparison to other provinces in South Africa. A qualitative study was conducted were perceptions of district and provincial education officials managing the implementation of peer education programmes were explored. A semi-structured questionnaire which targeted 40 education officials was completed and analyzed. The main findings show that despite the successes noted in the current implementation of peer education programmes in schools e.g. the adoption of data collection tools to influence positively the implementation of programmes, it was found that challenges still exist with regards to the standardization of programmes. Peer Education programmes are still not being implemented in all schools in the province. Therefore, there is need to develop a policy that will hold all schools accountable for implementing the programme. Developing standardized peer education and peer mentor manuals (nationally) will also assist with holding schools accountable for advocating for effective implementation of peer education programmes. It was recommended that the Department of Education must increase advocacy for the implementation of the Peer Education Guidelines document as well as develop a best practice guide to strengthen poorly implemented programmes. A similar research project on a larger scale (national) was recommended.
HIV/AIDS and persons with disabilities
(Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2011-03) Willems, Melanie; Davis, Burt; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. Dept. of Industrial Psychology. Africa Centre for HIV/AIDS Management.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The main aim of this research paper will be to discuss the impact of HIV on persons with disabilities. The study used a quantitative approach, with a KAP (knowledge, attitude and practice) survey done amongst 74 respondents from the Cape Town Association for the Physically Disabled, Tygerberg Association for the Physically Disabled and Drakenstein Centre for Persons with Disabilities. The questionnaires included close-ended as well as open-ended questions. Data was analysed through five themes in the questionnaire: It included information on their demographic background, their risk sexual behaviour, their HIV/AIDS knowledge levels, their attitudes towards HIV/AIDS and general issues regarding HIV/AIDS. Results show that very few of the respondents are having sex. This could be due to peer pressure from parents not to engage in sexual activities. It is not clear whether persons with disabilities are at risk of HIV infection – it warrants for further investigation. Respondents indicated that HIV is a relevant issue for persons with disabilities. Most knowledge questions were answered satisfactorily. With this said, it seems there are still many issues (especially around the treatment options available for HIV positive individuals) that respondents were unsure of. Overall findings point toward a definite need to invest in further research on this topic so to obtain a better understanding of the relationship between persons with disabilities and HIV infection.
HIV/AIDS knowledge levels and attitudes towards people living with HIV/AIDS of members of the Pretoria South LIONS Club.
(2012-03) Phiri, Takako C.; Davis, Burt; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. Dept. of Industrial Psychology. Africa Centre for HIV/AIDS Management.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study was to determine the HIV/AIDS knowledge levels and attitudes towards people living with HIV/AIDS of LIONS Club members of Pretoria South. This was done so to identify potential pitfalls (e.g. negative attitudes of members towards HIV/AIDS) that may influence the roll out of planned HIV/AIDS campaigns in a negative manner; as well as to make recommendations on how the LIONS Club can be involved in future projects related to HIV/AIDS. Data was collected by means of self-administered questionnaires from 25 participants. The findings revealed that there were high levels of knowledge on HIV/AIDS, as well as positive attitudes towards PLWHA displayed by members of the LIONS Club of Pretoria South. It was recommended that the LIONS Club of Pretoria South should actively involve itself in HIV-related community projects. Further research could be conducted on a larger scale to obtain a broader picture of the knowledge on HIV/AIDS, as well as attitudes towards PLWHA at LIONS Clubs in the whole of Pretoria.
Investigating the association between HIV and AIDS and polygamy among practising polygamists in Kwazulu-Natal, North Coast area
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2013-03) Nyathikazi, Thobekile Jacobeth Lungile; Davis, Burt; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. Dept. of Industrial Psychology. Africa Centre for HIV/AIDS Management.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Objective: This study investigated the relationship between HIV and AIDS and polygamy among practicing polygamists by ascertaining risk-levels for HIV-infection, HIV knowledge levels and beliefs towards HIV and AIDS matters. Design: A qualitative research design using a focus group approach. Participants and Setting: Practicing male polygamists were chosen as study population. A total of 56 men participated in the focus group discussions. All men were practicing polygamists aged between 20 and 50 years. An additional three respondents were interviewed separately. Findings and Recommendations: The findings show that polygamists may be at a high-risk of HIV infection, as practicing polygamy did not seem to deter respondents from illicit relationships. Infidelity, and not polygamy necessarily, seemed to be a factor exacerbating the spread of HIV among respondents. Ongoing HIV and AIDS education is suggested for participants who took part in this study, especially with regards to matters of gender inequality. Here, it was suggested that religious organizations and organizations geared specifically towards men have an important part to play in mobilizing and educating individuals and communities on HIV.
Knowledge and attitudes of women attending the antenatal care clinic at Piggs Peak Government Hospital as regards the female condom in HIV prevention
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2012-03) Gwebu, Nkululeko; Davis, Burt; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. Dept. of Industrial Psychology. Africa Centre for HIV/AIDS Management.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Introduction: The female condom is the only currently available method that offers women partial control in protecting themselves from HIV infection. Despite the availability of this condom, its uptake among women has remained disappointing. This study was an attempt to understand why this is the case and to come up with recommendations to improve uptake of the female condom at Piggs Peak Hospital antenatal care department in Swaziland. Methodology: A qualitative research study was conducted using in depth face-to-face interviews and a focus group discussion. The target population consisted of clients visiting the antenatal care clinic at Piggs Peak Hospital. Results: Respondents were aware of the female condom and its effectiveness in preventing HIV infection, other sexually transmitted diseases and as a contraceptive procedure. Acceptance of the female condom was high among respondents, though uptake was low. Some of the reasons that were mentioned as resulting in the poor uptake of the female condom included lack of training on use and little marketing of the device. The design of the current female condom was found to be a major concern for those who refused to accept the female condom. Implications: There is a need for the government of Swaziland and its partners to reconsider their strategy as regards the promotion of the female condom in the country. Educating the general public about the condom and training them how to use it is vital. People need to know why they should use the female condom. Its advantages to women should be fully explained. The cost of the female condom also needs to be addressed with a view of having the female condom freely and widely available.
Knowledge, attitudes and practices of male circumcision as an HIV prevention method among males in a Mine, Geita, Tanzania
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2013-03) Mubekapi, Constance; Davis, Burt; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. Dept. of Industrial Psychology. Africa Centre for HIV/AIDS Management.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: HIV and AIDS remains the most important public health problem in Tanzania. Male Circumcision (MC) has been hailed as an effective intervention for the prevention of HIV-1 among heterosexual transmission. There is convincing evidence that MC has a positive effect on the control of HIV infection. As a result, this procedure has been widely promoted as a preventive effort that might have a significant decrease in the rate of HIV transmission. This study aimed to establish the knowledge, attitudes and practices of MC as an HIV prevention strategy among males in Geita Gold Mine (GGM), Geita, Tanzania. Random sampling was used to select participants (n=164) who worked at GGM. Respondents were asked to complete a standardised self-reported questionnaire. In total, 95 participants (57.9%) were circumcised while 69 (42.1%) were not circumcised. The acceptability of MC among uncircumcised males was high (95.6%). Reasons for this desire included prevention of STIs/HIV, promoting hygiene and for religious and cultural grounds. Overall, the majority of the respondents were knowledgeable about the health benefits of MC. Nearly all respondents (89.6%) expressed willingness to circumcise a male child. This study provided baseline information with regards to male circumcision among GGM employees. Though data reveals that respondents were aware of the health benefits of MC, results indicated that there is need to further impact this knowledge and promote the adoption of the practice among uncircumcised individuals/communities on a larger scale. It was recommended that the mine, through its HIV/AIDS programme, should promote MC awareness and recommend appropriate channels for access to MC for its employees.
Male partner involvement in the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV program in Mthatha, South Africa : women's perpsective
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2013-03) Adeleke, Olukayode Ademola; Davis, Burt; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. Dept. of Industrial Psychology. Africa Centre for HIV/AIDS Management.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Although the significant impact that male partners have on the health decisions and well-being of women have been well documented, prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) programmes in many countries, including South Africa, has largely been targeted exclusively at HIV-positive women. This study focused on women’s perception of male involvement in the prevention-of-mother-to-child-transmission of HIV program in South Africa. A qualitative study was conducted among HIV-positive pregnant women who were on the PMTCT program at a clinic in Mthatha, Eastern Cape Province. Semi-structured interviews and a focus group discussion were conducted among 20 participants and were audio-taped, transcribed, translated and analyzed. The main findings show that respondents recognized the benefits associated with as well as showed positive attitudes towards male participation in the PMTCT programme; participants expressed the view that although most of their partners provided financial support during pregnancy, they were not involved in the PMTCT program; and they believed that partner involvement would be in the interest of their unborn children. Perceived obstacles to male partners’ involvement included socio-cultural factors, fear of knowing their HIV status and factors relating to health care systems. Suggested ways of encouraging male participation from respondents included writing invitational notes on women antenatal cards, adjusting current labour practices (so that men could be permitted to attend clinics with their partners) and the use of peer educators for mobilizing male participation. The study concluded that the positive attitudes of women on male participation and the benefits it may hold, point towards the possible re-designing of the PMTCT program in South Africa, where more male involvement would be encouraged as an integral part of this prevention strategy.
Methods of condom distribution as a possible barrier to condom uptake : a study among sexually active clients at Settlers Hospital Grahamstown
(Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2011-03) Megafu, Sylvester Onyechi; Davis, Burt; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. Dept. of Industrial Psychology. Africa Centre for HIV/AIDS Management.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study examines the methods of condom distribution as a potential barrier to condom uptake among sexually active clients at the out-patient unit of Settlers hospital. This study was quantitative and it utilised a self-administered questionnaire. A total of 60 sexually active clients comprising of 30 women and 30 men all aged 18 years and above with a prior HIV/AIDS prevention knowledge at the out-patient unit of Settlers hospital formed part of the study. Data was analysed using descriptive analysis and chi square. The responses given by the participants provide an understanding of the perceptions about the methods of condom distribution as a potential barrier to condom uptake and use. Evidently the methods of condom distribution have an impact on the likelihood of condom uptake at the out-patient unit of Settlers hospital and a certain method of condom distribution (placement of condoms in private spaces) is also preferred to another ( condom display in the waiting area). Although the study sample (n=60) was too small to make a representative and definite conclusions, the findings seem to suggest the method of condom distribution is important in condom promotion for increased uptake. Despite the high level of HIV/AIDS prevention knowledge among the study participants there seems to be real barriers to condom uptake and use. However there is a need for policy-makers and stake-holders to ensure that effective condom distribution methods are encouraged and implemented. Finally it would be useful to invest further in research to not only identify more barriers to condom uptake at the hospital but also establish barriers to condom uptake and use in the society where our people live. This was beyond the scope of this study.

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Browsing Masters Degrees (African Centre for HIV/AIDS Management) by browse.metadata.advisor "Davis, Burt"

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